Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on suMMer lIVInG When ‘the livin’ is easy’

Summer has truly heated up now that we’ve reached those “dog days” of the season. Sometimes, we have a tendency to take summer to the extremes; either overdoing it on sun exposure and activities or letting laziness take over while sitting beside the air conditioning vent.

Keep enjoying a healthy, active summer, but don’t overlook maintaining a summer-specific lifestyle routine.

Get Your Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient needed to support proper function of the body. It helps boost the immune system, enhance mood, as well as defend cells against cancer. While most of the nutrients our body needs are available from the food we eat, our main source of vitamin D is obtained through sun exposure. However, as many people spend a majority of their days indoors, vitamin D is, in fact, one of the most common deficiencies today.

So to get outside and get your natural vitamin D. To maintain healthy blood levels, make it a priority to get around 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight, several times per week. Doing so will ensure optimal health in terms of your body’s overall function. That being said, make sure to practice proper sun care as it is an important part of enjoying the sun.

Be Sun Smart

Harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun pose a great risk during the warmer months. Typically, we remember to apply sunscreen during beach or pool visits, but don’t forget to also wear sunscreen for all outdoor activities such as hiking or camping! An SPF of 30 or more is recommended, applied throughout the day. No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof, so reapplication is key. It helps to also adjust your wardrobe; long-sleeved tops in breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen will help to block the sun while keeping you cool. Sun hats and sunglasses also serve to protect you.

Eat Fresh

Summer is such a great time to focus on healthy variety in your diet! The bounty of in-season produce makes it easy to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Picnics and cookouts often include a great balance of healthy proteins and various sides to enjoy in moderation. Of course, nothing beats an ice cream cone in the summertime- so, everything in moderation!

Stay Hydrated And Cool

Staying hydrated is essential any time of the year, but it’s even more vital during the summer due to the effects that the sun and heat have on the body. In order to stay hydrated and replenish the fluids that the body loses through sweat, you should aim to drink around eight glasses of water daily. Remember to also increase your water intake when spending time in the heat, especially when exercising and exerting yourself.

Drinking enough water will help you maintain the balance of your body’s fluids